Ammerland: Water, Fen Landscapes and Living History

Water and Nature at Your Own Pace

Apen is home to the only freshwater tidal flats in the northwest. They were created in 2005 when a dyke was set back and serve as a retention area for possible flooding from the Aper Tief. In the area designated as a nature reserve, some sections of land are regularly flooded by the ebb and flow of the tide. This creates a distinctive flora and fauna. The landscape is therefore both a natural habitat and part of flood protection.

Lake Zwischenahn offers another way to enjoy the water: sailing, surfing and swimming are all popular, as are cycling and hiking along its eleven-kilometre shoreline. The Weisse Flotte offers round trips lasting around 70 minutes. Services run daily from April to October; you can start or break your trip at any landing stage. Check the current timetable before making plans.

If you would like to learn more about the landscape while out walking, you can join guided dyke walks in the Aper Tief area. They cover how the area was created and what it is intended for, as well as features of nature conservation and flood protection. Participants decide on the distance; the walks are around three to six kilometres long. Check dates and registration details in advance. Unlike the round trip, which is listed as lasting around 70 minutes, the walking distance depends on the route agreed for each walk.

Cycling Routes and Garden Spaces

The Ammerland Route is a 165-kilometre circular cycle route through Ammerland’s parkland and fen landscapes. There are eleven shelters along the route where you can take a break. It combines a longer regional cycling route with designated places to pause. By contrast, Lake Zwischenahn’s eleven-kilometre shoreline is the setting for cycling and walking: the two distances describe different scales for active days out.

The Park of Gardens offers a completely different pace. Covering 14 hectares on the site of the first Lower Saxony State Garden Show in 2002, it comprises more than 90 independent areas. These include themed gardens, plant collections and educational trails; there are also more than 40 different model gardens. This makes the park a destination where you can shape your visit around individual garden scenes, plant collections or educational trails.

Mills, Churches and Open-Air Museums

The Hengstforde Mill, a gallery-style Dutch windmill, stands by the Aper Tief in the hamlet of Hengstforde. A wooden mill stood on this site from 1742; it was replaced by a stone building in the late 19th century. Admission is free, and guided tours are available by prior arrangement. If you plan to take a guided tour, arrange it in advance.

Churches are also striking landmarks. St. Peter’s Church in Westerstede is considered the town’s oldest building and a local landmark; its tower is 48 metres high. It can be visited free of charge. Check the opening arrangements before your trip. St. Ulrich’s Church in Rastede is almost 1,000 years old and was endowed in 1059 by Count Huno and Countess Willa. Its freestanding gate tower dates from the 15th century. Three bells bear the dates 1498, 1522 and 1992.

In Bad Zwischenahn, the open-air museum consists of historic thatched houses that authentically depict life 300 years ago. The Tollhus up'n Wurnbarg open-air museum in Edewecht offers another perspective on Ammerland’s agriculture, with numerous exhibits. The Tollhus was once a customs post between Ammerland and the Oldenburg Münsterland. Visits and guided tours are available year-round by prior arrangement. Guided tours of the Ammerländer Bauernhaus are also available year-round on request.

Regional Traditions and Finding the Right Accommodation

Apen is home to Ammerland’s oldest ham-smoking house. On request, guided tours of the ham museum present the rooms and techniques associated with curing, the smoking chamber and the tradition. Smoking is not currently taking place. Visits are therefore limited to the scope of the guided tours on offer.

Then narrow down your search based on the place you would like to use as a base for exploring. No single theme defines all of Ammerland; instead, choose the destinations that suit your travel plans.

Explore Ammerland’s six towns individually: Bad Zwischenahn, Westerstede, Apen, Rastede, Edewecht and Wiefelstede.

For the broader travel overview: Lower Saxony.